Steering 'Flop'

[brodie123]

While I have my bell housing off, I wanted to check for steering flop. When idiling along, the boat swings port and starboard.

The gimble ring has some play before engaging the steering bar - so the play is in the ring.

Is this common or do I have a problem that needs to be fixed? I'd say the total 'free' swing from left to right is maybe 1"

thx

 

[Bondo]

Re: Steering 'Flop'

Is this common or do I have a problem that needs to be fixed? I'd say the total 'free' swing from left to right is maybe 1"

Ayuh,... If retorqueing the keeper bolts doesn't tighten it up,...
Yes, replace the Ring,+ tiller pin...

 

[brodie123]

Re: Steering 'Flop'

are they located behind the upper gimble hinge pin?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Steering 'Flop'

'ell I don't know,... You haven't told Us what the heck you're workin' on....

 

[brodie123]

Re: Steering 'Flop'

lol - ya sorry. 1988 Mercruiser Alpha 1

Here's a picture of the upper gimble hinge pin where I can see play between the hinge and the gimble

 

[Bondo]

Re: Steering 'Flop'

Ayuh,... That looks Very Worn,.... Replace it...

 

[brodie123]

Re: Steering 'Flop'

will do. I'm trying to identify the corect tool and process for replacement. The manual is a little hard to follow on this one.

From what I can see/read - it's a threaded screw inside the hinge?

Any help is appreciated here to get started/clarity.

 

[brodie123]

Re: Steering 'Flop'

ok - got my allan key in there to back off the screw - and she's frozen.

advice???

 

[brodie123]

Re: Steering 'Flop'

I've booked her into a marine shop to just get it done - no sense leaving it as is.

Curious - what exactly is the inside allan key screw for?